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Manna also criticised ongoing debates on state reform and constitutional amendments, saying it remains unclear how these would benefit workers.

He further alleged that rising costs of essentials, gas, and fuel are not being addressed effectively and that social safety net benefits are not reaching the intended recipients.

Manna urged labour leaders to link the labour movement with mainstream politics and build an accountable mass movement to establish a welfare state.

Bangladesh Sramik Kalyan Federation President Advocate Atiqur Rahman said, “Half of those killed in the July movement were workers. Yet, reform commissions have failed to address the concerns of 7.5 crore workers.”

He also criticised the continued use of child labour in garment factories.

Rabita Islam, deputy director of Karmojibi Nari, highlighted wage discrimination and harsh conditions faced by female garment workers.

“Workers receiving minimum wages are often laid off as they age and are forced to join subcontracting factories, where they earn only Tk 5,000 to Tk 7,000 a month,” she said.

She also pointed to the lack of daycare facilities for working mothers and arbitrary termination practices in the sector.

The discussion was chaired by former National Human Rights Commission commissioner Nur Khan Liton.